2SLGBTQ Family Resources

Wednesdays, September 18, 25 and October 2, 16
6 – 8 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Jennifer Atkins, MPH, Registered Dietician 

Join this four-week program designed to support your health and wellness as you prepare for your family building journey. Each session will focus on dietary strategies to optimize your health, covering essential nutrients needed for readiness, identifying and avoiding false promises, and navigating popular health recommendations safely. We’ll address psychological, financial, and physical risks associated with misleading advice and provide practical tips to help you make informed decisions. Connect with us to ensure you’re well-prepared and supported every step of the way. 

October 22, 23
6 – 8 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Judith Craig, Registered Social worker, Transformative Family Services 

The seven core issues of adoption encompass reasons for placement, the loss of the birth family and history, identity, rejection, guilt and shame, grief, and loyalty. We will explore each of these issues in depth, discussing how they might appear and how those involved in adoption can address and navigate these complex emotions and experiences. 

October 29
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Ellen Igumnova, Adoption Council of Ontario 

Curious about adoption and this incredible journey to family building? Discover the different types of adoption: public, private and international. Joined by the Adoption Council of Ontario, you’ll gain insight into the processes involved in each option, as well as the unique set of challenges that come with each option. Don’t miss this chance to embark on a remarkable journey towards understanding adoption and the beautiful families it creates. 

November 5
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Laine Halpern Zisman, Ph.D., Fertility & Family Building Support 

Come join us for an engaging discussion on the key initial factors to consider when planning 2SLGBTQ family building in Canada. We’ll explore various family building options such as IUI, IVF, surrogacy, and at-home insemination, helping you understand the benefits and considerations of each method. Additionally, we’ll delve into the process of selecting a donor and provide guidance on the important aspects to consider as you embark on your family building journey. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are well into the planning process, this discussion will offer valuable insights and support. 

November 6
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Alice Audrain, Parent via Adoption 

Join us for an insightful peer-led discussion with Alice, who will share her personal journey of becoming an adoptive parent as a 2SLGBTQ individual. Alice will delve into her decision-making process in choosing adoption as a family-building option, and will candidly address the steps, challenges, setbacks, and successes she encountered along the way. With her extensive experience in the adoption world, Alice is excited to offer valuable insights and support to others considering adoption to grow their families. 

November 12
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Julia Szeptycki, Cryobank Canada

Are you curious about at-home insemination and its potential as a remarkable path to parenthood? Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the donor selection process through a cryobank, explore the benefits of at-home insemination, and examine the pregnancy success rates. Additionally, we’ll compare the cost differences between at-home insemination and clinical settings to give you a comprehensive understanding of your options. 

November 13
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Jen Dodsworth & Caryn George 

In this peer-led discussion, Jen and Caryn will delve into their personal experiences with family building through at-home insemination, without using a cryobank. They will share their journey, highlighting both the challenges and successes they encountered along the way, including navigating conversations with family and friends. Additionally, they will address unforeseen issues that arose during their planning process, offering insights and reflections on aspects they had not initially considered. 

November 19
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Khalil Ali, MD, BSc, Lead Third Party Coordinator, Tripod Fertility 

Join us for an engaging and exploratory conversation on third-party reproduction. In this workshop, we will thoroughly examine the diverse family-building options available to 2SLGBTQ+ individuals through assisted reproductive technologies.  

Throughout the workshop, we will provide a comprehensive overview of 3rd party reproductive technologies, including their benefits, challenges, and considerations.  

This session aims to equip you with valuable information and insights, helping you make informed decisions about building your family. 

November 20, 26
6 – 8 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Sam Leeson (childbirth educator, doula, parenting coach, fertility coach, infant feeding specialist)

In this series we will unmask some of the curiosities of pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period as they relate to intended, adoptive and not biologically related parents. We will delve into understanding:

• The latter parts of pregnancy & birth
• Your rights through the journey to parenthood
• What you need for baby
• Navigating different parenting styles
• Communication as new parents
• Establishing boundaries for the people who wish to be involved in your lives
• What is “normal” in the first few days & weeks
• Processing emotions
• Basic newborn care
• Infant safety

. . . and more!

December 3
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Paola de Melo Borges, R.Ac, MD

Join us for a session on Acupuncture, exploring the connection between acupuncture and reproductive health. We’ll dive into acupuncture’s history, mechanisms, and its benefits for enhancing fertility in both genders. We’ll cover definitions of infertility, including social infertility, and discuss causes for both male and female infertility—focusing on biological, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Whether you’re exploring fertility options or seeking supportive therapies, this session offers valuable insights into acupuncture’s role in your fertility journey.

December 4
6 – 7:30 p.m.

Guest facilitator: Khalil Ali, MD, BSc, Lead Third Party Coordinator, Tripod Fertility 

This session is dedicated to exploring family building and fertility preservation strategies specifically tailored for the transgender population before undergoing any medical treatments. Khalil will offer a detailed overview of the various family-building options available via 3rd party reproduction. He will also discuss the important aspects of egg and sperm storage, explaining how these procedures work and why they are critical for those who wish to preserve their fertility prior to beginning hormone therapy or undergoing surgeries that could affect their reproductive capabilities.